Tool-less closure

ABSTRACT

A closure comprises a hub with a central opening and a head positionable within the hub, the head sealing the central opening when in a closed position, a spool rotatable about a post extending from the head, wherein rotation of the spool causes axial movement of the spool along the post, a plurality of radial arms extending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

This Application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part under35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/477,788 filed May22, 2012 and entitled “Tool-Less Closure”, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Present embodiments relate generally to a closure or a pressure vesselor pipe. More specifically present embodiments relate to a closuremechanism for locking or unlocking a closure for a pressure vessel orpipe system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Closures for pressure vessels and pipes typically utilize a round dooror head adapted to fit in the aperture of a body or hub. The hub isconnected to a vessel or pipe system or other structure which istypically pressurized. The door or head is lockingly engaged to the hubwhen in the closed position so that the system or vessel may bepressurized without unknowingly allowing for opening of the head fromthe hub.

A bore or aperture of the hub has an inner circumferential groove forsupporting a portion of a locking member. The door has a locking ringproximate a circumferential portion of an outer surface of the doorwherein the locking ring is engaged to cooperate with the groove aboutthe aperture after the door is closed and seated in the aperture. Theselocking members are typically biased by a band or ring which is causedto expand or contract, causing the same expansion or contraction of thelocking ring to lock or unlock the door from the hub.

One problem with known closure structures is being able to apply enoughforce to an opening handle or other linkage structure to open or releasea locking ring which engages the head with the circumferential groove ofthe hub.

It would be desirable to have a system which utilizes a known minimalrange of motion for a handle to which a suitable amount of force may beapplied comfortably by the user in order to release a locking ring whilestill providing a safe system which will not disengage inadvertentlywhile the system is pressurized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, a closure for pressurized system oraperture comprises a hub having a generally cylindrical shape with acentral opening and a head which is operably connected to the hub and ismovable between a first closed position sealing the central opening anda second open position, a central post extending from the head, a spoolhaving a plurality of arms extending from the spool, the spool rotatablypositioned about the post, the radial arms pivotally connected to thespool and pivotally connected to a locking ring segment, the lockingring having a recess for pivotally receiving the radial arm, a guidehaving at least two pieces, one of the two guide pieces disposed on thelocking ring segment, the other of the two guide pieces disposed on thehead, and, the spool and the post operably engaged wherein pivotalmotion of the spool causes the spool to move axially along the post. Theclosure further comprises a pin extending through the post. The closurefurther comprises a spline on one of a bushing or spool engaging thepin. The closure further wherein one of the spool and the post has athread and the other of the spool and the post has a cooperatingfeature. The closure further comprises a pin extending from a spool andengaging a spline in the central post. The closure wherein one of thetwo guide pieces is a key and the other of said two guide pieces is akeyway. The closure of wherein the key and the keyway constrain thelocking ring segment to radial movement. The closure wherein the headhas a tapered surface near a radially outward edge. The closure whereinthe locking ring segments move axially. The closure further comprising afastener aperture on a flat surface of the head. The closure furthercomprises a fastener aperture on the tapered surface of the head. Theclosure further comprises a cover plate positioned to cover the spooland the radial arms. The closure further comprises a handle connected tothe cover plate.

According to some embodiments, a closure for a pressurized system oraperture, comprises a hub having a central opening and a head hingedlyconnected to the hub, a post extending from the head and a spool movablypositioned on the post, the spool rotatably movable on the post andmovable axially along the post toward or away from the head, a pluralityof radial arms having a first end and a second end, the radial armsextending radially in a first position and non-radially in a secondposition, a plurality of locking segments positioned on the head forslidable movement along the head, the plurality of locking segmentsbeing positioned radially extended in the first position and radiallyretracted in the second position, the spool moving a preselected axialdistance between the first position and the second position. The closurewherein the locking segments have one of a key and a keyway and the headhas the other of a key and a keyway. The closure further comprises acover plate over the spool and the radial arms. The closure wherein saidcover plate is movable in the axial direction of the post. The closurefurther comprises a spline on one of the spool or the post. The closurewherein the spline is variable pitch. The closure wherein the spline isone of continuous or discontinuous.

According to some embodiments, a closure comprises a hub with a centralopening and a head pivotally connected to the hub, the head sealing thecentral opening when in a closed position, a spool rotatable about apost extending from the head, wherein rotation of the spool causes axialmovement of the spool along the post, a plurality of radial armsextending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments.

According to other embodiments, a closure for pressurized system orvessel comprises a hub having a generally cylindrical shape with acentral opening, a head positionable within the central opening of thehub and removable from the central opening of the hub, a davit operablyengaging the head to at least one of lift and lower the head from withinthe central opening, a central post extending from the head, a spoolhaving a plurality of arms extending from the spool, the spool rotatablypositioned about the post, the radial arms pivotally connected to thespool and pivotally connected to a locking ring segment, the lockingring having a recess for pivotally receiving the radial arm, the spooland the post operably engaged wherein pivotal motion of the spool causesthe spool to move axially along the post. The closure further comprisesa pin extending through the post. The closure further comprises a splineon one of a bushing or spool engaging the pin. The closure wherein oneof the spool and the post has a thread and the other of the spool andthe post has a cooperating feature. The closure further comprising a pinextending from a spool and engaging a spline in the central post. Theclosure wherein a guide having at least two pieces, one of the two guidepieces is disposed on the locking ring segment, the other of the twoguide pieces is disposed on the head. The closure wherein one of the twoguide pieces is a key and the other of the two guide pieces is a keyway.The closure wherein the key and the keyway constrains the locking ringsegment to radial movement. The closure wherein the head has a taperedsurface near a radially outward edge. The closure wherein the lockingring segments move axially. The closure further comprises a fasteneraperture on a flat surface of the head. The closure further comprising afastener aperture on the tapered surface of the head. The closurefurther comprising a cover plate connected to the spool wherein pivotingof the cover plate causes rotation of the spool. The closure furthercomprising a handle connected to the cover plate.

According to still other embodiments, a closure for a pressurized systemor aperture comprises a hub having a central opening and a headpositionable within the central opening of the hub, a post extendingfrom the head and a spool movably positioned on the post, the spoolrotatably movable on the post and movable axially along the post towardor away from the head, a plurality of radial arms having a first end anda second end, the radial arms extending radially in a first position andnon-radially in a second position, a plurality of locking segmentspositioned on the head for slidable guided movement along the head, theplurality of locking segments being positioned radially extended in thefirst position and radially retracted in the second position, the spoolrotating with rotational movement of a cover plate, rotation of thespool causing the spool to move a preselected axial distance between thefirst position and the second position. The closure wherein the lockingsegments having one of a key and a keyway. The closure wherein the headhaving the other of a key and a keyway. The closure further comprising acover plate over the spool and the radial arms. The closure wherein thecover plate is movable in the axial direction of the post. The closurefurther comprising a spline on one of the spool or the post. The closurewherein the spline has variable pitch. The closure wherein the spline isone of continuous or discontinuous.

According to still further embodiments, a closure comprising, a hub witha central opening and a head moveable into or out of the hub, the headsealing the central opening when in a closed position, a davit connectedto the head to one of lift or lower the head relative to the centralopening of the hub, a spool rotatable about a post extending from thehead, wherein rotation of the spool causes axial movement of the spoolalong the post, a cover plate engaging the spool wherein rotation of thecover plate causes rotation of the spool, a plurality of radial armsextending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments, a saidlocking segments being guided to move along the head to engage ordisengage the hub.

All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplaryonly and many more features and objectives of the invention may begleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limitinginterpretation of this summary is to be understood without furtherreading of the entire specification, claims, and drawings includedherewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments, which may be preferred and exemplary, together with furtherobjects and advantages thereof, are more particularly described in thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary closure in an openposition.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view depicting the multiple componentsof the closure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a spool and locking ring assembly in anextended position when the closure is in the closed position of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the spool and locking ring assembly whereinthe locking ring segments are in the retracted position so that theclosure may be opened as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a locking ring actuator including the postand spool structure.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the closure in a closed position with thelocking ring segments engaging the hub and the head.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the closure in a closed position with thelocking ring segments disengaged from the head.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the locking ring actuator with a cut away viewdepicting the splined area bushing.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative locking ring actuator with acut away view.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a further alternative locking ring actuatorwith a cut away view.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for avertical mount closure.

FIG. 13 is an embodiment of the closure of FIG. 12 with a davit forremoving the head of the closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited intheir application to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The exemplary embodiments are capable of being practiced or ofbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with” and “mounted,” andvariations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct andindirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms“connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted tophysical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specificmechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended toexemplify various embodiments and that other alternative mechanicalconfigurations are possible.

As referred to herein, the term axially means in the direction of theaxis of the hub 12. Also, the term radially refers to the direction of aradius, for example from the axis of the hub toward the outercircumference thereof, or vice-versa.

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, a tool-less closure is depicted having a spoolstructure for opening and closing a pressurized vessel or system. Thetool-less closure structure allows for rotational movement to radiallyexpand or contract a locking ring segment structure. The radialexpansion or contraction causes engagement or disengagement between ahead and a hub defining enclosure.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the closure 10 is depicted as anexemplary embodiment. The closure 10 comprises a hub 12 and a head 14which is pivotally connected to the hub 12 by hinge assembly 16. Thehead 14 is blocked from view in FIG. 1 by a cover plate 30. The hub 12is annular in shape with a central bore 13 (FIG. 2) and acircumferential groove 21 therein. The hub 12 is weldable to thepressure vessel or other system, such as a tank, pipeline, or enclosuresubjected to pressure differential.

The closure 10 allows access to the pressure vessel or other system byway of the openable head 14. The head 14 is shown having a circularshape which fits within the bore 13 of the hub 12. The hinge assembly 16allows the head 14 to move from the closed position found in FIG. 1 toan open position shown in FIG. 2. In such open position the head allowsaccess to a pipe or pressure vessel or other pressurized system (notshown) to which the closure 10 is attached. When the head 14 is in theclosed position as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe system or pressure vesselto which the closure 10 is connected may be pressurized.

The hinge assembly 16 includes at least one first hinge arm 17 and asecond hinge arm 18 pivotally connected to the at least one first hingearm 17. The second hinge arm 18 is connected to a third hinge arm 19 inpivotal fashion so that a double pivoting structure is provided in orderto connect the head 14 to the hub 12. The at least one first hinge arm17 is connected to the head 14 and may be integrally connected, such asby welding, or may be a bolted connection such as shown in the figure.The second hinge arm 18 has a first end and a second end. The first endis pivotally connected to the first pivot arm 17. The second end ispivotally connected to the third pivot arm 19. These pivotal connectionsdefine a vertical pivot axis about which motion occurs.

Extending through the head 14 and through a cover plate 30 is a post 20which connects to the third hinge arm 19. The post 20 has at least twofunctions. First the post 20 defines a structure about which the coverplate 30 and a spool 60 (FIG. 3) may pivot. The post 20 allows forstructure to connect to the hinge assembly 16 so that the head 14 may bemoved when a locking ring assembly (FIG. 3) 40 is retracted allowinginterior access to the hub 12 and the pressure vessel or system.

A cover plate 30 is disposed on the outer side of the closure adjacentthe head 14. The cover plate 30 covers the components of the lockingring assembly 40 (FIG. 3). Additionally, the cover plate 30 inhibitstampering with the components of the locking ring assembly 40 andtherefore has at least some functionality as a safety feature.

Also connected to the cover plate 30 is a handle 32. The handle 32 maybe rotated a pre-selected arcuate distance to cause rotation of thecover plate 30 and spool assembly 60 (FIG. 3). This will cause lockingor unlocking of the head 14 relative to the hub 12 which will bedescribed further herein, by disengagement of the circumferential groove21 within the hub 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the closure 10 isdepicted with the closure 10 situated in an open position wherein thedoor or head 14 is pulled away from the hub 12. This allows internalaccess to the hub structure and pressure vessel or pressurized systemafter the vessel or system is depressurized. The double pivotingfunction of the hinge is depicted wherein the second hinge arm 18 ispivoted relative to the at least one first hinge arm 17. Additionally,the third hinge arm 19 is pivoted relative to the second hinge arm 18.Hence the double pivoting function of the hinge assembly 16. However, itshould be understood that a single pivot hinge assembly may be utilizedor other hinge assembly three or more pivots.

Additionally shown in FIG. 2 is the internal bore 13 of the hub 12 isshown with the head 14 removed therefrom. Also shown in the figure isthe cover plate 30 mounted on the post 20, as well as the locking ringassembly 40 positioned adjacent to cover plate 30 and on the head 14.The cover plate engages a portion of the locking ring assembly 40 andsandwiches the assembly between a surface of the head 14 and a rearsurface of a cover plate 30. This allows for controlled radial movementof the locking ring assembly 40 to retract or expand.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the closure 10 is depicted.Starting at the right hand side of the figure, the hub 12 is shownhaving a central bore 13 wherein the head 14 is positioned. Explodedfrom the hub 12, the head 14 includes a flat front surface 36 and atapered surface 38 extending from the flat surface 36 to the radial edgeof the hub 14. The tapered surface 38 provides a transition surfacealong which the locking ring segments 42 move in a radial direction toeither engage or disengage a groove within the bore 13 of the hub 12.

The locking ring assembly 40 is defined by a plurality of locking ringsegments 42, radial arms 70, and a locking ring actuator 90 formed of arotatable axially movable spool 60 and post or other drive rod 20. Thelocking ring segments 42 are each arcuate and extend about an axis ofthe closure 10. The circumferential ends of the ring segments 42 are cutto form a substantially circular shaped assembly. The segments 42 have apolygonal cross section as best shown and described with respect to FIG.7. Along the radially inner side of the ring segments 42 is a groove orother receiving structure wherein the radial arm 70 is received forpivoting motion therebetween.

Positioned between the locking ring segments 42 and the head 14 are aplurality of guides, which are depicted as a plurality of keys 50, slots52 and grooves 54. Each of the keys 50 fits in a radial slot 52extending along the tapered surface 38. The tapered slot 52 receives thekeys 50 and may be of continuous depth or may be tapered. The radiallyinward end of the keys 50 includes a bolt or other fastener. Acorresponding bolt hole is found in the head 14 allowing for fasteningof the keys 50 to the head 14. The bolt holes may be on the flat surface36 or in the tapered surface 52 at the bottom of the keyway 52. The keys50 however may be connected by various types of fastener oralternatively may be welded to the head 14. Opposite the keys 50 aregrooves 54 located on the bottom surfaces of the locking ring segments42. The grooves 54 receive the keys 50 for motion of the segments 52along the keys 50. Thus the keys 50 are located relative to the head 14and segments 42 are located relative the keys 50. The locking ringsegments 42 slide along the keys 50 and the keys are retained in thekeyways 52 so that the keyway or groove 54 inhibits motion of thelocking ring segment 42 in any direction other than that allowed by thekeyway 54 and key 50. The locking ring segments 42 move axially relativeto the hub 12 and head 14 in the sense that the tapered surface 38causes a change in axial position of the locking ring segment 42.However, the radial movement of the segment 42 is the primary directionof movement radially inward or outward relative to the bore 13 of thehub 12. It should also be understood that while the keys and grooves aredescribed on specific structures, the keys and grooves guiding radialmovement of the segments 42 may be adjusted to other parts. For example,the key maybe positioned on the head or the locking ring segment.Likewise, other guides or structures maybe utilized to limit degrees offreedom in addition to those described specifically herein.

Adjacent to the locking ring segments 42 are the spool 60 and radialarms 70. The spool 60 is circular shape including a central groove 62(see also FIG. 6) which receives a plurality of radial arms 70. Thespool 60 may be formed of various shapes alternative to the circularshape shown. The radial arms 70 have a first end and a second end. Thefirst end is connected to the spool 60 in the spool groove 62. At thefirst end of the radial arm 70, a pivoting connection is providedbetween the spool 60 and the radial arms 70 within the groove 62. Theradial arm 70 pivots at the spool 60 about an axis extending parallel tothe axis of the hub 12. The radial arms 70 are connected to the lockingring segments 42 at the second end within grooves 44 of the locking ringsegment 42. This axis also pivots about an axis which extends parallelto the main axis of the hub 12. A pin, screw, bolt or other fasteningstructure is used to make the pivoting connection between the radial arm70 and the locking ring segment 42 and the spool 60. However thisdescription should not be considered to limit the aspects of theembodiments.

The spool 60 further includes a central bore 64 (see also FIG. 6) whichis co-axial with the hub 12 and head 14 and receives a splined bushing66 which may be of various shapes but has a central circular boreallowing pivoting on the post 20. The splined bushing 66 is received inthe bore 64 and although these parts are shown in two distinctstructures, they may be formed as a single piece such as by casting orother formation ends. The splined bushing 66 has a spline, thread orother groove 68 which allows for axial movement of the spool 60 duringthe rotation of the cover plate 30. Additionally, the spline 68 may beof a variable pitch or may be a consistent pitch and may be formed of asingle groove or multiple grooves. Additionally, the spline 68 may becontinuously formed or discontinuously formed as well.

The spool 60 and spline 68 which may be integrally formed oralternatively may be formed on the bushing 66, as shown. This allows foraxial movement of the spool 60 during rotation thereof about the post20. This rotational movement causes axial movement of the locking ringsegment 42 along the tapered surface 38 of the head 14. Additionally, asdescribed further herein, the locking ring segments move radiallyinwardly to contract or expand radially outwardly during such rotation.The rotation described is performed by movement of the handle 32 whichis connected to the cover plate 30. The cover plate 30 is connected tothe spool 60, causing rotation of the radial arms 70 and movement oflocking segments 42 so that all of the structures rotate about the post20, which extends from the head 14. The rotation is effected byapplication of force to the handle 32. Since the handle 32 is connectedto the cover plate 30, the cover plate 30 rotates, in turn causingrotation of the spool 60, radial arms 70 and movement of the segments42.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front view of the locking ring assembly 40 isdepicted. The head 14 is shown with the tapered surface 38 and flatsurface 36. Above the door 14 is the spool 60 having the plurality ofradial arms 70 extending therefrom. The radial arms 70 are pivotallyconnected at a first end to the spool 60 and at a second end to thelocking ring segment 42. In the position depicted, the locking ringsegments 42 are fully extended radially outwardly so that the head 14would be in a closed and locked position relative to the hub (notshown). In order to open the head 14, and with reference to FIG. 5, thespool 60 is rotated in the direction R by providing a radial force onthe handle 32 (FIG. 3). With this rotational force causing rotation isof the spool 60, the arms 70 move with the rotation of the spool 60 andcause radial contraction of the locking ring segments 42. As shown inFIG. 5, the segments 42 have moved inwardly from their position shown inFIG. 4. In such position, the segments are radially inwardly positionedand disengaged from the hub 12 so that the head 14 may be opened to theposition shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a section view of the locking ring assembly 40is shown. The spool 60 is rotatably positioned on the post 20 at an endof the post 20 near the head 14. At an opposite end of the post 20 is athird hinge arm 19 which locates the hinge assembly 16. The spool 60includes the radial arms 70 pivotally connected thereto and radiallyextending therefrom. The splined bushing 66 is positioned within thebushing bore 64 although the splined bushing 66 may be integrally formedwith the spool 60 in alternative embodiments. The spline 68 receives apin 69 extending through the post 20. The ends of the pin 69 are fixedso that rotation of the spool 60 results in a controlled axial movementof the spool 60 along the post 20. The spline 68 may be constant pitch,variable pitch, continuous, discontinuous, or various combinationsthereof. Alternatively, the post 20 could utilize a groove and a pin,rib or protuberance extending from the spool 60 to engage the groove andcause the desired axial movement with rotation. In either embodiment,with such axial movement of the spool 60, the locking ring segment 42moves axially along the tapered surface 38 (FIG. 3), as well as radiallyinward and outward relative to the hub 12. Thus during rotation of spool60, the spool moves axially as the segments 42 change axial position asthey move along the tapered surface 38.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a section view of the closure 10 is depicted.The radial arms 70 extend between the spool 60 and the locking ringsegments 42. Each radial arm 70 extends into the groove 44 so that theradial arms 70 pivot at both the spool 60 and the locking ring segment42. In this configuration, the locking ring segments 42 maintain theclosure in the locked position.

The locking ring assembly 40, including the plurality of segments 42, isseated on the tapered head bearing surface 38 of the head 14 for radialexpansion and collapse. Each of the locking ring segments 42 is definedby polygonal cross-section, including two parallel sides 42 a, 42 b. Oneof the sides 42 b is seated against the tapered surface 38, while theopposite parallel surface 42 a is seated against a first bearing surface15 of the hub 12. A substantially perpendicular surface 42 c extendsbetween the two parallel surfaces and engages a second bearing surface23 of the hub 12. The first bearing surface 15 is substantially parallelto head surface 38 and segment surface 42 a. The second bearing surface23 is generally perpendicular to the surface 15 and is at an angle tothe axis of the closure 10. The angle may be about 10 degrees to about25 degrees. More preferably the angle may be about 15 degrees and evenmore preferably the angle may be about 20 degrees. A radially innermostsurface 42 d of the locking ring segments 42 is oriented at an angle soas to be co-axial with the hub 12 and allow a circumferential groove 44to be formed in each segment. A connecting surface 42 e is disposedbetween the radial innermost surface and one of the parallel surfaces 42a. The connecting surface 42 e seats each segment 42 against the coverplate 30. Thus as described before, the segment 42 can move by way ofthe keys 50 along the tapered surface 38 and by axial movement of thespool 60 and are retained against the tapered surface 38 against thecover plate 30. Effectively, portions of the segments 42, above groove44, are sandwiched between the cover plate 30 and tapered surface 38with radial arm 70 to control movement of the segment.

Also shown in the section view of FIG. 7 is a pressure safety device 80.The device 80 interlocks with the locking ring assembly 40 so that whenthe device 80 is in position, the radial arm 70 may not be retracted byrotating the spool 60. The safety device 80 extends through a notch orhole 31 (FIG. 3) in the cover 30.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a section view of the closure 10 is shown. Theclosure 10 has locking segments 42 shown in the retracted position. Inthe position depicted, the segments 42 are removed from the annulargroove, so that the closure 10 is available for opening.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a side view of the locking ring actuator 90 isdepicted in side view with a cutaway portion. The actuator 90 includesthe post 20 and the spool 60 with the bushing 66 disposed within thespool 60. Both the spool 60 and the bushing 66 are coaxial with the post20 which includes a pin 69 depending therethrough and engaging thegroove 68 in the bushing 66. The groove 68, which may be continuous ordiscontinuous, has a preselected pitch, which may be variable orconsistent, so that rotation of the spool 60 and bushing 66 results inaxial movement of the spool 60 and bushing 66. The radial arms 70 areremoved from this view for clarity.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of the locking ringactuator 190 is depicted. The instant embodiment includes the post 20,spool 60 and the bushing 66. In this alternate embodiment, the groove168 is positioned in the post 20 and the pin 169 extends from thebushing 66. As previously described, the groove 168 may be continuous orinterrupted, and may have a consistent or variable pitch. Additionally,one skilled in the art should understand that the bushing 66 and spool60 may be integrally formed and therefore according to this embodimentthe pin 169 may extend solely from an alternative integral spoolstructure into the groove 168 formed in the post 20.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a side view of an alternate locking ringactuator 290 is depicted. The embodiment includes the post 20 which hasa pin 69 extending therethrough. The spool 260 is integrally formed withthe bushing or similar structure and includes a groove 68 therein. Thusthe spool 260 is engaged by the pin 69 to cause axial movement of thespool 160 with rotation of the spool.

Although the closure 10 is depicted for mounting in an orientationwherein the axis of the hub is generally horizontal, it should beunderstood that the closure may be positioned such that the axis of theclosure 10 is vertical. Further, the closure 10 has benefits over theprior art such as fewer moving parts, which results in more reliableoperation. The opening and closing may occur by way of use of the singlelever or handle 32 throughout a relatively small range of motion, forexample less than 65 degrees. This provides that a user does not have tomaintain high force over a long distance, which may result in difficultyin opening.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a perspective view of an alternative closureembodiment 310 is depicted. The closure 310 differs from the alternateembodiments previously discussed in that the instant closure is mountedin a vertical configuration meaning the opening of the closure is facingupward or vertically or has a surface in a substantially horizontalplane. In this embodiment, the closure 310 does not utilize a hingestructure as previously provided in other embodiments to open theclosure.

The closure 310 includes a hub 312 having a central bore or opening 313.The operation of the locking and unlocking mechanisms of the closure 310are similar to those previously described. Summarily, an actuatorutilizes a spline that rotates with the cover 330 and the spline movesaxially as locking segments (not shown) retract from engagement with thehub 312. Within the central opening 313 is a head 314. The actuatorutilizes arms which move locking segments in a radial direction into andout of engagement with the hub 312.

Positioned above the head 314 is a cover 330. The cover 330 hides thelocking segments and arms 370 and rotation of the cover 330 causesmovement of the locking arms and radial movement of the locking segmentsas previously described. A post 320 extends from the cover 330 andprovides a pivot axis for the actuator positioned therebelow. As notedbefore, rotation of the cover 330 causes movement of the actuatormechanism to move the locking segments into and out of engagement withthe hub 312. A handle 332 is connected to the cover 330 to provide ameans to move the cover wherein such movement causes axial androtational movement of a spool relative to the post 320.

A plurality of lugs are disposed about the outer perimeter of the hub312. The lugs 312 a, 312 b and 312 c allow for easy lifting of the hub312 or the closure assembly 310 for positioning on a verticallyextending pipe or extension of a vessel. Once in position, the surfaceof the cover 330 lies in a generally horizontal plane and the opening313 is disposed in a horizontal plane as well.

The embodiment further comprises a davit 316. The davit 316 providesmechanical force through an input handle or crack to lift or lower thehead 314. The davit includes a vertically extending post 317, a curvedshoulder 318 and an arm 319 which extends horizontally over the head 314of the closure 310. The curved shoulder 318 allows pivoting of arm 319about the vertical axis of the post 317. An end of the arm 319 includesa crank assembly 302 which is rotatable to either lift or lower the head314. An axial strut 304 is connected to the crank assembly 302 and maybe connected by fastener or permanently connection, for example bywelding, or integrally formed with, to the head 314. Thus when the crankor handle assembly 302 rotates, the strut 304 raises or lowers the head.Similarly, the davit 316 may be utilized to lower the head 314 into thehub 312 as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a perspective view of an alternate closure 410is depicted also for use in a vertical orientation but having the davitremoved. Extending from the post 420 is a lifting eyebolt 411. Thelifting eyebolt 411 allows connection of various lifting devices such ashoists or platform cranes or the like to the head 414. The lifting eye411 may be utilized to lift the head 414 from within the central opening413 when the actuation process occurs utilizing handle 432 and thelocking mechanisms are disengaged. Although an eyebolt is depictedvarious other structures may be utilized to provide the liftingfunctionality. Further a plurality of lifting eyes 412 a are disposeabout the hub 412. As in the previous embodiment this embodiment mayalso utilize a cover 430 beneath which are a plurality of arms 470.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure for pressurized system or vessel,comprising: a hub having a generally cylindrical shape with a centralopening; a head positionable within said central opening of said hub andremovable from said central opening of said hub; a davit operablyengaging said head to at least one of lift and lower said head fromwithin said central opening; a central post extending from said head; aspool having a plurality of arms extending from said spool, said spoolrotatably positioned about said post; said radial arms pivotallyconnected to said spool and pivotally connected to a locking ringsegment, said locking ring segment having a recess for pivotallyreceiving said radial arm; said spool and said post operably engagedwherein pivotal motion of said spool causes said spool to move axiallyalong said post; said locking ring segment and said head having taperedsurfaces allowing axial movement of said locking ring segment along saidhead with said axial movement of said spool.
 2. The closure of claim 1,further comprising a pin extending through said post.
 3. The closure ofclaim 2, further comprising a spline on one of a bushing or spoolengaging said pin.
 4. The closure of claim 1 further wherein one of saidspool and said post has a thread and the other of said spool and saidpost has a cooperating feature.
 5. The closure of claim 1 furthercomprising a pin extending from a spool and engaging a spline in saidcentral post.
 6. The closure of claim 1 wherein a guide having at leasttwo pieces, one of said two guide pieces disposed on said locking ringsegment, the other of said two guide pieces disposed on said head. 7.The closure of claim 6 wherein one of said two guide pieces is a key andthe other of said two guide pieces is a keyway.
 8. The closure of claim7 wherein said key and said keyway constrains said locking ring segmentto radial movement.
 9. The closure of claim 1, said head having atapered surface near a radially outward edge.
 10. The closure of claim 9wherein said locking ring segments move axially.
 11. The closure ofclaim 9 further comprising a fastener aperture on a flat surface of saidhead.
 12. The closure of claim 9 further comprising a fastener apertureon said tapered surface of said head.
 13. The closure of claim 1 furthercomprising a cover plate connected to said spool wherein pivoting ofsaid cover plate causes rotation of said spool.
 14. The closure of claim13 further comprising a handle connected to said cover plate.
 15. Aclosure for a pressurized system or aperture, comprising: a hub having acentral opening and a head positionable within said central opening ofsaid hub said head having a tapered surface near said peripheral edge; adavit operably engaging said head to move said head relative to saidhub; a post extending from said head and a spool movably positioned onsaid post, said spool rotatably movable on said post and movable axiallyalong said post toward or away from said head; a plurality of radialarms having a first end and a second end, said radial arms extendingradially in a first position and non-radially in a second position; aplurality of locking segments positioned on said head for slidableguided movement along said head, said plurality of locking segmentsbeing positioned radially extended in said first position and radiallyretracted in said second position; rotation of said spool causing saidspool to move a preselected axial distance between said first positionand said second position, said rotation of said spool causing bothradial and axial movement of said locking segments.
 16. The closure ofclaim 15, said locking segments having one of a key and a keyway. 17.The closure of claim 16, said head having the other of a key and akeyway.
 18. The closure of claim 15 further comprising a cover plateover said spool and said radial arms.
 19. The closure of claim 18, saidcover plate is movable in said axial direction of said post.
 20. Theclosure of claim 15 further comprising a spline on one of said spool orsaid post.
 21. The closure of claim 20, said spline being variablepitch.
 22. A closure comprising: a hub with a central opening and a headmoveable into or out of said hub, said head sealing said central openingwhen in a closed position; a davit connected to said head to one of liftor lower said head relative to said central opening of said hub; a spoolrotatable about a post extending from said head, wherein rotation ofsaid spool causes axial movement of said spool along said post; a coverplate engaging said spool wherein rotation of said cover plate causesrotation of said spool; a plurality of radial arms extending from saidspool to a plurality of locking segments; said locking segments beingguided to move axially and radially along said head to engage ordisengage said hub.